Palm Bay, Fla. — At the December 19 city council meeting, a proposed storage facility in Bayside Lakes faced fierce opposition from residents and council members, ultimately resulting in its rejection. Meanwhile, discussions about the council’s recent decision to eliminate public comments at the end of meetings raised concerns about transparency and public trust.
Bayside Lakes Storage Facility: Rejected Amid Community Concerns
Bayside Lakes, located in southeastern Palm Bay, was initially designed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Approved in 1999, the plan was heralded as a transformative solution for the city’s future. However, decades later, some residents feel the development has failed to live up to its promise and are pushing back against what they see as further erosion of its original vision.
The latest controversy centers on a proposed high-quality self-storage facility that would occupy a section of Bayside Lakes previously designated for a medical office building. Developers argued that the storage facility would meet community demand and be located at the rear of the property, near a retention pond and away from residential areas. However, residents were not convinced.
“There’s a lot of commercial business potential in Bayside Lakes,” one resident said. “Could every lot eventually be turned into storage units? This isn’t what we signed up for.”
Another resident reflected on the origins of the PUD, saying, “This plan was presented in 1999 as the saving grace for the city, but that’s not what happened. They had no real plan back then—just an idea that was accepted. Let’s not repeat the mistake of not knowing what we’re agreeing to.”
Adding to the frustration, another resident stated, “You have storage facilities next to Bayside Lakes already. This is purely unacceptable.” City Planner Craig Morgan, addressing the complexities of the situation, remarked, “This has to be one of the biggest mysteries I’ve seen in 30 years.”
Despite assurances from the developer that the storage facility would be state-of-the-art and meet a pressing need, the council ultimately sided with residents, voting 5-0 to deny the proposal. Councilman Donny Hammer summed up the prevailing sentiment: “I’ve never heard anyone say, ‘We need more storage units.’”
Public Comments: Tensions Over Transparency
As frustrations over the Bayside Lakes storage facility proposal continue, residents have expressed growing concerns over the recent elimination of the second round of public comments at city council meetings.
“I’m disappointed that I’ve lost 50% of my opportunity to address you publicly,” one speaker said during a recent meeting. Pastor Mark Miller underscored the importance of the final comment period, explaining, “It was often used to offer solutions or collaborate on issues raised during the meeting.”
Council members defended the decision as a way to streamline meetings, but many residents feel it comes at the expense of transparency and community involvement. With pressing issues like the Bayside Lakes development, some question whether limiting public input risks sidelining community voices when they are needed most.
Palm Bay Explores Solutions to Homelessness as New State Law Looms
On December 17, the Palm Bay City Council held a workshop to address the city’s growing homelessness crisis, marking its first formal discussion since House Bill 1365 took effect on October 1. The law, which bans sleeping or camping on public property, is set to introduce stricter enforcement measures beginning January 1, 2025. This places pressure on cities across Florida to implement solutions for their unhoused populations while complying with the new legal framework.
During the workshop, council members explored several approaches to mitigate the issue. Discussions included the possibility of affordable housing initiatives, the expansion of emergency shelters, and providing transportation services to connect individuals to centralized support facilities. Council member Chandler Langevin expressed support for emergency shelter buses, which could help transport individuals to designated shelters outside of Palm Bay. Langevin voiced reservations about establishing a permanent shelter within city limits, citing concerns about its potential proximity to schools and family-oriented neighborhoods.
Mayor Rob Medina advocated for wraparound services, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness to provide long-term solutions. The council also discussed a proposal to host a specialized event offering services and resources for homeless veterans as an initial step toward broader community support.
With the January 1 deadline fast approaching, Palm Bay’s workshop underscores the city’s intent to tackle the crisis. However, the council’s ability to turn these discussions into concrete actions will be crucial in addressing the rising number of unhoused individuals in Brevard County, which has reached its highest levels since 2016. In contrast, Broward County has implemented a more structured and well-funded response to the homelessness crisis, committing over $43 million toward affordable housing projects, shelter expansion, and eviction prevention programs.
Palm Bay, FL – The Palm Bay City Council’s recent decision to fire City Manager Suzanne Sherman has sparked significant controversy and challenges, as the council continues to navigate its search for a permanent replacement.
Last Thursday, the council voted 3-2 to terminate Sherman, who had served as City Manager since 2020. The vote, led by Councilman Chandler Langevin, was supported by Councilmembers Mike Hammer and Kenny Johnson, with Mayor Rob Medina and Councilman Mike Jaffe dissenting. Langevin defended the decision, stating that Sherman’s leadership was taking the city in the wrong direction and that “sweeping changes” were needed.
However, the firing left the council scrambling for a replacement. Department heads, including Finance Director Larry Wojciechowski and Public Works Director Valentino Perez, declined the interim role. The city’s IT Director, Brian Robinson, also resisted but was ultimately appointed as interim City Manager by a 4-1 vote, despite his protests.
During a workshop meeting on Monday, the council revisited the issue of finding long-term leadership. While Councilman Langevin proposed former City Manager Gregg Lynk for the position, his recommendation was not supported, given Lynk’s controversial past, including allegations of bribery that led to his firing in 2020.
Instead, the council turned its attention to Scott Morgan, the retired former City Manager of West Melbourne. Morgan is being considered for an interim role to help stabilize the city and assist with the recruitment of a permanent City Manager.
Council discussions reflected a focus on finding a leader who could maintain the city’s current successes while addressing critical issues like lowering the tax and millage rates.
The financial implications of Sherman’s firing remain a pressing concern. Her contract entitles her to a severance package of 20 weeks’ pay, totaling nearly $97,000, along with payouts for accrued leave. These expenses, combined with recruitment costs for a permanent replacement, could further strain the city’s budget.
As Palm Bay grapples with this leadership shake-up, residents are watching closely to see how the council handles these challenges and moves forward with its vision for the city’s future.
Stay tuned to Palm Bay Live for updates on this developing story.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or positions of PALM BAY LIVE.
Written by: Vernon M. Anderson Jr.
Democracy is not a concept or an idea – it is how we live and experience the American way of life. Democracy allows each resident to participate and live their life under their individual beliefs and values while respecting others to do the same. In America, we have majority rule, but that has always included minority rights. The fact that we have strayed away from respecting minority rights is a key factor eroding what makes America great.
The elimination of minority rights begins with manipulating the public’s thinking with false allegations about our education system ‘indoctrinating’ students to a specific lifestyle or suggesting books available to students provide no educational value solely because it doesn’t reflect our experience. For us to guide our students in a world requiring advanced skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math -STEM, first we have to provide them with an educational system that stimulates their curiosity and imagination – developing their critical thinking skills beyond their own experience. This process begins with their interactions such as building relationships, respecting others’ personal views, and the knowledge that their goals cannot be restricted because of their gender, race, religion (or no religion), national origin, or ethnicity. The goal is to imbue students as well as adults with American values that can withstand the new technologies and new challenges as we move forward together.
Keeping up with economic demands requires the expansion from STEM to STEAM by keeping the arts in our education system is vital as people need creative outlets, be it in music, art, writing, industrial arts, etc. Through the arts people not only find ways to express themselves creatively, but it is also proven to stimulate neural pathways in the brain vital to improving how to address challenges and problem solving. Annually, music, arts, and physical education seem to make it to the budgetary chopping block in school districts across the nation. Will we wholeheartedly support a robust educational system and regain our footing or better yet on the global stage? For almost 250 years, we as a Nation have continually expanded who has a voice in our government, and it has been very successful in building our strength that is unmatched even in the most basic terms of economics and security. However, recently the ability to have the American dream of homeownership has been slipping away from the middle and working class. Not only is homeownership not affordable, but insurance costs (required to obtain a mortgage) are making it even more unachievable. If our residents can’t see how to achieve this most fundamental of American dreams, then why would they have confidence that their voices are heard in the process of government and would make any difference?
Those of us who seek to represent our fellow residents in government must search to find meaningful solutions, which gives residents confidence and hope that the dream is within reach. Our government is beholden to self-interests and not the interests of what will grow our economy. We need to make it possible for residents to make the investment leading to home ownership and better communities.
There are those seeking office, who believe there is a ‘right way’ for society that leads to control by restricting individual rights. They want to avoid addressing issues impacting their constituents that make them uncomfortable. Eliminating rights and taking away liberty from those who don’t hold the same values and beliefs as their representatives is uniquely un-American. This leads to a planned society that would be the opposite of our American values. Planned societies will ultimately lead to greater division, where those who do not hold the values of minority leadership, will not be empowered to exercise their rights.
Democracy is so much more than just the right to go to the voting booth, it is the right to participate in every action (the)government performs and to know what government officials do in the name of those they represent. This is why the sustainment of our democracy requires an educated and informed populace, armed with facts – not manipulated data or opinions – providing them with confidence and liberty to make thoughtful decisions about their government. Representing all the people means ALL the people and their rights as listed above, not just those that meet a candidate’s personal objective. While democracy may seem chaotic to some, acknowledging and working to protect fundamental rights has served us well since our founding – building a country where people are free to be themselves. With new approaches in Florida’s government, liberty will again mean that every Floridian has freedom of choice, free from arbitrary or despotic control.
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 29, 2024): The City of Palm Bay is pleased to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station 7, a vital addition to our community’s public safety infrastructure. The ceremony will take place on Friday, September 13 at 9:00 AM at the future site of the station, located at 2144 Palm Bay Road. The event is open to the public and members of the media.
The new Fire Station 7 serves as a replacement for the former Fire Station 1, which was demolished in January 2022 with funding from a FY 2020-2021 Community Development Block Grant. The former fire station site had remained vacant for eight years and was an eligible project under the U.S. Housing & Urban Development regulations under public facility improvements located in and providing a public service to an area of low- and moderate-income residents. The new Fire Station 7 will aim to meet the growing needs of the northeast quadrant of Palm Bay.
This project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. The construction of Fire Station 7 will provide our dedicated firefighters with state-of-the-art facilities to better serve the community.
The contract was awarded to W & J Construction Corp. of Rockledge, FL, at the August 1, 2024, Regular Council Meeting. The total estimated cost for the construction of Fire Station 7 is $7,338,764.
Palm Bay Fire Chief Richard Stover stated, “The opening of Fire Station 7 will significantly improve the response times for our citizens and visitors in this rapidly growing part of our city. Our members are excited to have the opportunity and ability to increase citizen engagement from a modern facility that was designed to meet the needs of our community and the firefighters living there. None of this could have taken place without the continued support of our Mayor, City Council, and City Manager.”
Mayor Rob Medina added, “This groundbreaking is a testament to our commitment to public safety and the well-being of our residents. It is more than just the start of a new building; it’s the beginning of a stronger, safer future for our city.”
The City of Palm Bay invites all residents and stakeholders to join us for the groundbreaking ceremony as we celebrate this important step towards enhancing our city’s public safety infrastructur
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 23, 2024): The City of Palm Bay has released the Request for Applications for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. This initiative follows a historic settlement between the State of Florida and major opioid manufacturers, distributors, and dispensers, which will bring over $3 billion to Florida over the next eighteen years.
At the July 1, 2021, Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council adopted Resolution 2021-33 which recognized the harmful effects of the opioid epidemic suffered by the City. The City of Palm Bay joined the State of Florida, counties, and other cities in addressing the opioid crisis through the National Prescription Opiate Litigation. Resolution 2021-33 proposed a unified plan for the allocation and use of prospective settlement dollars from opioid-related litigation, and the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Florida setting the framework of the unified plan for the proposed allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds.
In December 2023, the City received its first round of funds from the National Opioid Settlement, totaling $275,619.36. This amount includes $86,397.57 for Fiscal Year 2023 and $189,221.79 for Fiscal Year 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, a maximum of 5% ($13,780.97) may be allocated for administrative costs, leaving a balance of $261,838.39 available for grant awards.
At the July 18 Regular Council Meeting, Palm Bay City Council authorized the publication of the Request for Applications. The OSPG will support projects and initiatives that align with the three categories outlined in the Florida Opioid Allocation and Statewide Response Agreement: Treatment, Prevention, and Other Strategies. Core strategies must comply with evidence-based best practices as specified in the agreement.
Applications for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant are now open. Interested parties are encouraged to review the full Request for Applications and submit their proposals in accordance with the guidelines provided. The City of Palm Bay has released Addendum 1 to the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant (OSPG) RFA. The in-person workshop has been postponed to Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10 am. We have extended the date for the Mandatory Technical Assistance Workshop Registration for the Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant.
Agencies interested in applying must complete the registration form by Thursday, August 29, 2024, by 12 noon. The form located here www.pbfl.org/opioid
The workshop will be recorded and posted here www.pbfl.org/opioid for agencies not able to attend. A self-certification form, certifying the agency watched the workshop will need to be completed and submitted with the application, on September 13, 2024.”
PALM BAY, FLORIDA (August 23rd, 2024): The Palm Bay Police Department arrested Beatriz Rapisarda, a 41-year-old teacher at Sunrise Elementary School, on charges of child abuse and false imprisonment. The arrest occurred on August 22nd at the school following a detailed investigation into allegations involving a student in the intellectually disabled classroom.
The investigation revealed that Rapisarda physically pushed the student and restrained the child by grabbing their wrists. These actions were witnessed by several individuals. After a thorough review of sworn statements and evidence, sufficient probable cause was established for her arrest.
Rapisarda was taken into custody at the school and has been booked into the Brevard County Jail. The Palm Bay Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of individuals within our community, especially our youth. We will continue to work closely with the school and our partners at the Department of Children and Families to ensure incidents such as this one are not repeated.
The Brevard County primary election results are in, setting the stage for a series of critical runoffs and general election contests in November. Several races have been decided, while others will continue to November, with significant implications for the future governance of the region.
Palm Bay Races
In Palm Bay, Mayor Rob Medina secured a second term in office, winning 54.9% of the vote and avoiding a runoff. Medina’s victory confirms the continuation of his administration, which has focused on infrastructure improvements and public safety, despite facing various challenges during his first term.
Mayor Rob Medina
However, the Palm Bay City Council races for Seats 2 and 3 are heading to November runoffs. In the Seat 2 race, Deputy Mayor Donny Felix led with 40.2% of the vote, followed closely by Richard Mike Hammer, who received 38.4%. Patric McNally, who garnered 21.5%, has been eliminated from the race. The upcoming runoff between Felix and Hammer will determine which candidate will help shape the future of Palm Bay’s policies on growth and development.
Hammer emphasized that the success of his campaign so far is “a testament to the tireless efforts of countless supporters who shared our message of empowering residents with a voice.” He highlighted his dedication to key issues such as preventing tax increases, attracting new businesses to lower the tax burden, ensuring qualified staff, and promoting sustainable growth. “Palm Bay has faced the consequences of neglecting crucial challenges for far too long. My plan is to address these issues head-on, providing our city, its staff, and its residents with clear goals and viable options,” Hammer stated.
He also noted his positive and productive relationship with his opponent, Deputy Mayor Felix, mentioning that they have already discussed potential areas for collaboration in the lead-up to the election. “Fostering a respectful dialogue and working together, even with opposing views, is essential for the well-being of our city,” Hammer added.
The race for Seat 3, which featured a crowded field of six candidates, will also be decided in a November runoff. Chandler Langevin, who led with 27% of the vote, will face off against Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who received 21%. Langevin’s candidacy has been overshadowed by controversy, as he is currently under felony criminal investigation for allegedly misappropriating campaign funds during a previous run for state representative. The investigation, coupled with Langevin’s ties to the polarizing State Rep. Randy Fine, has made his candidacy a focal point of local political discourse. The other candidates, including Eileen Sepp, David Kearns, Peter Filiberto, and Michael Bruyette, were eliminated.
Alfy Ramsay Agarie, who emerged as a top contender for Seat 3, emphasized his priorities for Palm Bay during his campaign. “We’ve accumulated over 40,000 new residents in our city, and the infrastructure hasn’t kept up,” Agarie stated. “Right now, our infrastructure and safety are far behind where they need to be. The average response time for emergency services is 18 to 20 minutes, compared to the national average of seven to eight minutes. That’s unacceptable, and we need to focus on these priorities to make our city more comfortable and safe to live, work, and play.”
Agarie also highlighted concerns about budget management, particularly within the Public Works and Utilities departments. “These departments take a significant portion of our budget each year, but they have the capacity to generate revenue and reduce their dependence on city funds. For example, Public Works takes 27% of our budget, yet they outsource jobs that could be done in-house. By managing our budget more efficiently, we can allocate more resources to public safety, infrastructure, and other critical areas.”
Last week, in anticipation of the election results, Palm Bay City Council appointed Philip Weinberg to temporarily fill the Seat 3 vacancy left by Randy Foster, who resigned in June due to health concerns. The outcome of the November runoff will finalize the council’s composition and could significantly influence the city’s direction on key issues like public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.
Brevard County Commission District 3
In a tightly contested race for Brevard County Commission District 3, Kim Adkinson narrowly defeated John Dittmore, capturing 50.7% of the vote. Adkinson, who previously served as a Republican state committeewoman, will now face Democrat Yvonne Minus, a Melbourne City Councilwoman, in the general election. District 3, encompassing areas like West Melbourne, Palm Bay, and South Brevard County, is pivotal in shaping county policies, especially in managing growth and development.
Yvonne minus
Brevard County Commission District 5
Rep. Thad Altman secured the Republican primary for District 5 with 70.5% of the vote, defeating Ritch Workman. Altman, who previously served on the District 5 commission from 1984 to 1992 and has extensive experience in the Florida Legislature, will face Democrat Vinnie Taranto in November. Altman’s return to county-level politics was anticipated, given his extensive background, but his decisive victory over Workman, a former state representative, was significant.
Thad Altman
Altman’s previous tenure on the commission and his legislative experience have made him a well-known figure in Brevard politics. His platform focused on maintaining the county’s growth while ensuring that public services, particularly in areas like public safety, are adequately funded. Despite his political experience, Workman’s loss highlights Altman’s strong support base within the district.
State Senate District 19
Randy Fine emerged victorious in the Republican primary for State Senate District 19, securing 73.6% of the vote against Charles “Chuck” Sheridan. Fine, a controversial figure in Florida politics, has been at the center of several high-profile disputes, including efforts to remove him from the ballot over alleged paperwork issues. Despite these challenges, Fine’s strong showing in the primary underscores his influence in the district.
Randy Fine
Fine’s campaign was marked by his usual fiery rhetoric and a focus on issues like securing state funding for the Indian River Lagoon and advocating for conservative values. His victory sets up a November general election battle against Democrat Vance Ehrens. Sheridan, Fine’s opponent, has indicated that he may continue to challenge Fine’s eligibility in court, keeping the race in the spotlight.
Fine’s tenure in the Florida House has been marked by his aggressive approach to politics, often engaging in public spats with both opponents and allies. His involvement in local controversies, such as his efforts to disband the Brevard County School Board, has made him a polarizing figure. As he prepares for the general election, these issues are likely to continue to play a role in the campaign narrative.
U.S. House of Representatives, District 8
Former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos secured the Republican nomination for U.S. House District 8 with 73.9% of the vote in Brevard County and 68% in Indian River County. Haridopolos entered the race on the final day of candidate filing, the same day that incumbent Rep. Bill Posey announced his retirement and endorsed Haridopolos.
Haridopolos, a resident of Indian Harbour Beach, has been a prominent figure in Florida politics, having served as Senate President and in both the Florida House and Senate. His campaign emphasized his legislative experience and his ability to bring conservative leadership to Washington. Haridopolos’s entry into the race effectively cleared the field of high-profile competitors, leaving him to face only lesser-known opponents.
Mike Haridopolos
His campaign has been bolstered by endorsements from key Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and both of Florida’s U.S. Senators. Despite his strong support, Haridopolos faced criticism from his opponents, particularly John Hearton, who questioned his political background and the influence of major donors on his campaign. Haridopolos now moves on to face Democratic nominee Sandy Kennedy in November.
Florida House Districts 32 and 33
Tuesday’s primary set the stage for the November 5 general election for the Florida House of Representatives District 32 and District 33 seats, which represent Central and South Brevard.
In the District 32 race, Florida Senator Debbie Mayfield defeated former Congressman Dave Weldon, securing 65% of the vote. Mayfield, a resident of Indialantic, received significant support from the district’s Republican base, which makes up about 47% of the electorate. Mayfield’s campaign focused on conservative values, including protecting the Indian River Lagoon and maintaining Florida’s status as a “free state.” She will face Democrat Juan Jose Hinojosa in November, who was unopposed in the primary.
Vernon Anderson
The District 33 race saw Monique Miller, a cybersecurity executive and Board of Directors of Moms for Liberty member, winning the Republican primary with 55% of the vote. Miller, who has received backing from prominent conservative figures, will now face Democrat Vernon Mitchell Anderson Jr. in November. Anderson, who defeated Anthony Yantz in the Democratic primary with 53% of the vote, aims to break a three-decade losing streak for Democrats in this district. Anderson’s campaign has emphasized issues like voter rights, infrastructure, and affordable housing, while Miller has focused on immigration and reducing the cost of living for Florida families.
Brevard County School Board District 3
John Thomas won the District 3 seat on the Brevard School Board, securing 56.4% of the vote against Amber Yantz. Thomas, a former Melbourne city council member and school administrator, campaigned on a platform of early childhood education, career and technical education expansion, and improving school safety. His victory marks a shift in the board’s composition, as he replaces Jennifer Jenkins, the only liberal on the board.
Thomas’s victory is significant for the conservative movement within Brevard County, as it solidifies the board’s shift to the right. Thomas has taken a strong stance on several issues, including supporting the presence of chaplains in schools and expanding the guardian program, which allows certain school employees to carry firearms. Yantz, a mother of five with a more progressive platform, was unable to overcome Thomas’s strong support base.
Brevard County School Board District 4
The race for District 4 will head to a runoff in November between Matt Susin and Avanese “Ava” Taylor. Susin led the race with 48.6% of the vote, while Taylor received 32.8%. Susin, who was first elected to the board in 2016, has maintained a conservative stance on key issues, including the expansion of the guardian program and the removal of certain books from school libraries.
Dr. Avanese Taylor
Taylor, inspired to run after her son was the victim of a hazing incident, has positioned herself as a more moderate candidate. While she supports some conservative measures, such as the guardian program, she has expressed concerns about its implementation and the potential for it to create inequities in the school system. The runoff will determine whether the board will continue its conservative trajectory or shift toward a more balanced approach.
Supervisor of Elections
Tim Bobanic, the incumbent Brevard County Supervisor of Elections, won the Republican primary with 59.6% of the vote, defeating County Commissioner John Tobia. Bobanic, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, has faced scrutiny over his handling of election-related issues, including a recent lawsuit that sought to remove candidates from the ballot due to alleged paperwork errors.
Tim Bobanic
Bobanic’s victory solidifies his position as Supervisor of Elections, as he will face only a write-in candidate in November, making his win nearly assured. Tobia, who has been embroiled in his own controversies during his time as County Commissioner, was unable to overcome Bobanic’s strong support, particularly from those who view him as a steady hand in the management of the county’s elections.
The lawsuit against Bobanic, filed by political consultant Robert Burns, accused his office of improperly accepting incomplete qualifying paperwork from candidates, including Randy Fine. Although the case was dismissed, it highlighted ongoing concerns about election integrity in Brevard County. Bobanic’s re-election will likely continue to be scrutinized as he navigates these challenges in the lead-up to the general election.
This article is the last installment of a four-part series of charter schools by Palm Bay Live.
Charter Schools in Brevard County: Funding and Oversight
According to Russell Bruhn, Chief Strategic Communications Officer for Brevard Public Schools, charter schools in Brevard County are financed through a combination of state, local, and federal funds, similar to other public schools. The primary source of funding is the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), which allocates funds based on the number of full-time enrolled students. Additionally, charter schools have the opportunity to enhance their funding through federal grants. One notable example is the Charter School Program Grant, which supports the planning and initial implementation of charter schools.
“Each charter school has a unique blend of federal, state, and local funding, depending on the specific grants they are able to secure and the number of students they serve,” explained Bruhn.
In terms of oversight, Brevard County maintains rigorous accountability measures to ensure that charter schools meet both financial and academic standards. “All charter schools in the district are required to submit monthly or quarterly financial reports, depending on whether they have achieved high-performing status,” Bruhn stated. Moreover, the district actively monitors these schools to ensure they comply with state statutes covering all aspects of their operations.
Financial transparency is critical in the oversight process. Charter schools must submit an annual audit to the district, which is then made available to the public on each school’s website. This process ensures that stakeholders, including parents and community members, have access to detailed financial information about the schools.
Billy Prasad, Deputy Director of Brevard County Planning and Development, elaborates on the zoning and land development aspects of charter schools. “From a zoning standpoint, charter schools are treated similarly to other public schools, with certain exceptions. For example, specific provisions in our Code of Ordinances allow the Board of County Commissioners to direct educational facility impact fees toward the construction of charter school facilities,” Prasad notes. Additionally, the Public School Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan includes policies that facilitate the use of charter schools as mitigation options to address school capacity issues.
Over the past decade, two charter schools in Brevard County have closed due to financial instability and insufficient academic performance. “When a charter school closes, any remaining public funds, as well as property and equipment purchased with those funds, are returned to the district school board,” Bruhn clarified. This policy helps safeguard public investments and ensures that resources are redistributed to other public schools within the district.
The location of charter schools is also regulated to ensure they meet community needs and educational standards. Prospective charter schools must apply through a state-mandated process, which includes a thorough review of their proposed location as part of a comprehensive assessment by the district. “The review process is designed to evaluate how well the proposed site will serve the community and support the school’s educational goals,” said Bruhn.
Management and Locations of Charter Schools in Brevard County
In the world of charter schools, management fees are a common expense. These fees are often paid to organizations that handle administrative, curriculum development, and operational tasks for the schools. They can vary widely depending on the size of the school, the scope of services provided, and the specific contractual agreements in place.
For instance, in Brevard County, the disparity in management fees among different charter schools is quite noticeable. According to 2021 IRS Form 990 submissions, Palm Bay Academy reported management fees of $29,567. In contrast, Odyssey Charter School paid significantly higher fees amounting to nearly $1.7 million. Meanwhile, Emma Jewel Charter School incurred $93,000 in management fees. These figures highlight the varying scale and administrative needs of each school.
The implications of such management fees are multifaceted. While these fees support the operational efficiency of charter schools, they also raise questions about financial priorities and the allocation of public education funds. High management fees, as seen with Odyssey, suggest a substantial investment in specialized services, which could indicate a focus on enhancing educational quality or administrative depth. However, it also prompts scrutiny regarding the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing school management functions and the impact on budget allocations for direct educational activities.
In Brevard County, the guidelines regarding the placement of charter schools are notably flexible, emphasizing the adaptability of educational services to community needs. Dr. Melinda Maier, Director of Curriculum & Instruction at Brevard Public Schools, shared insights into the process. “As far as the charter office is concerned, there are no regulations that impact the location of charter schools within the county,” Dr. Maier explained. She noted that applicants for new charter schools may not specify a location initially. “When a potential charter school applies, they may not even know the location at which they would be housed,” she added.
If an applying charter has a proposed location, the county considers the strategic need for a school in that area. Dr. Maier emphasized the focus on community requirements: “If they do have a location, we do take into account if the area is in need of a charter school.”
Brevard County Charter Schools Controversies
Charter schools are mandated to employ certified teachers, in accordance with statutory requirements. Teachers working in or contracted by charter schools must hold the appropriate certifications as stipulated by current legislation. Recently, however, controversies have come to light regarding charter school personnel. Not only was a new principal, previously arrested in 2010 for stealing prescription drugs from teachers, selected for leadership, but also a teacher arrested in January 2023 for domestic violence was named “Teacher of the Year.” Furthermore, the only assistant principal who was set to return for this school year at Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High was placed on probation last year for his previous actions of violently restraining students by using his forearm across their throats during his tenure at Palm Bay High.
These incidents not only raise questions about the vetting and selection process for staff within charter schools but also about the standards for advancing individuals to leadership positions. Odyssey Charter seems to be a haven for individuals with criminal histories, academic shortcomings, and various professional reprimands, often advancing them to higher roles. This pattern of behavior raises concerns not just about the qualifications of the staff but also about the financial priorities of the school. Notably, in 2021, Odyssey Charter reported spending over $1.6 million in management and $91,000 in legal fees, as detailed in their IRS Form 990.
According to the Brevard Public Schools senior communications coordinator, there are 15 charter schools in Brevard County, 6 of which are located in Palm Bay. Despite Brevard Public Schools maintaining a “B” rating in the latest report card issued by the Florida Department of Education, an analysis of school performance reveals a noteworthy disparity in excellence. While only Education Horizons Charter School achieved an “A” rating, 21 public elementary schools, including Pinewood, Atlantis, and South Lake, secured top marks.
Brevard County Charter Schools and Public Opinion
To gauge public opinion more directly, Palm Bay Live conducted a Facebook poll that garnered responses from 592 participants. Thirty-four percent expressed a preference for charter schools, below the 51% who favored public schools. Additionally, alternative options also had their share of support: 4% chose ‘none of the above,’ 2% leaned towards parochial schools, and 9% preferred homeschooling.
Commenters voiced their reasons for their choices, touching on a variety of critical issues. One prevalent theme was concern over the long-term impacts of shifting public funds to charter, private, and religious schools. This reallocation, some argued, has contributed to the dwindling quality of public education, a trend exacerbated by political decisions favoring charter schools over traditional public ones. One community member noted, “That is what is wrong with charter schools—they take from the public schools’ funds.”
Other community members voiced frustration over what they perceive as more lenient regulations governing charter schools, particularly regarding student discipline. For example, a local remarked on charter schools’ ability to expel students for misconduct, adding, “Public schools aren’t given that luxury.”
Yet, others argued for the benefits of parental choice and the tailored educational approaches that charter schools can offer, suggesting that for some students, these institutions provide a better fit than their public counterparts. One community member stated, “Personally, it’s about parental choice [and] the best school that meets the needs of the student.”
Moreover, commenters debated the accountability and oversight of charter schools, with some pointing out the lack of stringent standards that public schools are subject to. This raised alarms about the potential for fiscal mismanagement and educational inconsistency within the charter system. Yet, others argued for the benefits of parental choice and the tailored educational approaches that charter schools can offer, suggesting that for some students, these institutions provide a better fit than their public counterparts.
Echoing through the comments was a call for a balanced perspective on school choice, recognizing the value in both charter and public schools while advocating for reforms that ensure quality education across the board. The conversation also touched on the comparative performance of charter versus public schools in Brevard County, citing statistics to support various viewpoints on which system offers superior education.
The qualifying period for Palm Bay’s upcoming elections in August and November ended on Friday, June 14th. Included in this article are Financial Disclosures (FORM 6) Filed by 10 Candidates.
In a related development, a federal judge recently blocked a 2023 Florida law that required municipal elected officials to disclose detailed financial information. The ruling came after numerous officials, including 10 out of the 19 Palm Bay candidates, filed the required Form 6 disclosures. The law was challenged for potentially violating First Amendment rights, and the judge sided with municipal officials, issuing a preliminary injunction just weeks before the filing deadline. According to the City Clerk’s office, the list of candidates for Palm Bay City Council has been finalized for the upcoming primary election on August 20, 2024, and the special election in November for Seat 5. Amidst much anticipation, the roster has been solidified, with Randy Foster (Seat 3) and Nathan Timothy White (Seat 5) notably absent from the list of qualified candidates.
Councilman Foster, who made headlines in 2020 by securing a record-breaking 33,858 votes, recently returned to his council duties following a severe health scare. Foster was hospitalized in early March and fell into a diabetic coma, which led to his frequent absence from council meetings. Despite his recovery and return to duties, Foster did not file to qualify for the upcoming election, marking a significant development in the race.
Nathan White, a lifelong Palm Bay resident, had planned to run for City Council Seat 5 but also did not file to qualify for the election. White previously ran for City Council Seat 4 in 2022.
The candidates vying for Seat 3 include Alfy Ramsay Agarie, Michael J. Bruyette, Peter J. Filiberto, David Anthony Kearns, Chandler Langevin, and Eileen Sepp. Alfy Ramsay Agarie is a new addition to the list. He has previously run for public office, including a bid for mayor, but has not held a seat on the City Council.
With Foster out of the race, the dynamics of the election for Seat 3 could shift significantly. The residents of Palm Bay will be watching closely as the candidates campaign in the lead-up to the primary election on August 20, 2024.
In addition to the Seat 3 candidates, the City Clerk’s office has confirmed the following candidates for other offices:
Office of Mayor:
Rob Medina – qualified June 10, 2024
Edith M. Rivera – qualified June 12, 2024
Tatiana Rosado – qualified June 13, 2024
Santa Isabel Wright – qualified June 12, 2024
City Council Seat 2:
Donny J. Felix – qualified June 10, 2024
Richard ‘Mike’ Hammer – qualified June 12, 2024
Patric McNally – qualified June 12, 2024
Special Election – City Council Seat 5 (November 5, 2024):
